Otis Singleton
Grease guns are used to apply lubricants to moving mechanical parts, preventing friction and ensuring smooth operation. They are available in various types, including lever-action, cordless, and pneumatic grease guns, each catering to different needs and applications. Before using a grease gun, it is essential to prime it to remove air pockets and ensure proper lubrication. This guide will teach you how to prime an electric grease gun, covering the steps from loading the grease cartridge to dispensing grease and troubleshooting common issues like airlocks.
How to prime an electric grease gun
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Applying lubricants to moving mechanical parts to keep them running smoothly |
| Types | Lever-Action Grease Guns, Cordless Grease Guns, Pneumatic Grease Guns |
| Preparation | Unscrew the nozzle cap, pull the handle on the barrel out until it locks, slide out the old grease cartridge, insert a new grease cartridge, screw the nozzle back on, push the handle back in |
| Priming | Pump the nozzle's trigger to prime the gun and remove air pockets, continue pumping until grease comes out from the nozzle, wipe off excess grease |
| Troubleshooting | If the gun won't prime, try applying manual pressure by pulling the T-pull and twisting, use the air bleeder valve if the gun has one |
| Maintenance | Regularly clean and inspect the grease gun, Bleed the gun to ensure proper lubrication and enhance the lubricant's effectiveness |
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What You'll Learn
Clearing airlocks
Airlocks are a common occurrence in grease guns, often happening after a new cartridge is inserted. Here are some tips to clear the airlock from any grease gun:
Leave the barrel a little loose
When you screw on the barrel after loading a new tube of grease, back it off a full turn to allow a little air to escape. This gives the air bubble above the grease a place to go. You can then tighten the barrel once the grease starts to come out.
Use the air bleeder valve
If loosening the barrel doesn't work, try using the air bleeder valve if your gun has one. Open the bleeder, push the plunger rod home, and then close the bleeder. If you still have issues, try opening the bleeder, bumping the plunger rod, and then closing the bleeder again.
Apply manual pressure
If you still can't get the gun primed, try applying some manual pressure. Pull the T-pull so the follower rod comes out of the barrel. While pulling straight down, twist it a quarter to half a turn. You can now push up on the T-pull, applying pressure to the follower plate and pushing the grease up. Leave the bleeder valve partially unscrewed during this process to force the air out.
Lock out the follower rod
Another way to prime the gun is to lock out the follower rod, push it against a hard surface, and give the air somewhere to escape.
Other tips
- If you have a pistol grip gun, try leaving the barrel a couple of threads loose when inserting a new tube, then start greasing and tighten it up.
- Make sure not to pump the grease until the cartridge is completely empty. This will fill your hose with air, and you'll need to prime the gun again. Instead, stop pumping when there's still some grease left in the hose and the head of the gun.
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Applying manual pressure
If you're still unable to prime the grease gun, you can try applying some manual pressure. Start by pulling the T-pull so that the follower rod comes out of the barrel. While pulling downwards, give it a quarter to half-turn twist. You'll feel it lock into place. Now, you can push up on the T-pull, and this will apply pressure to the follower plate, pushing the grease upwards. Remember to keep the bleeder valve partially unscrewed or pushed down if it has a button-style mechanism. Forcing the air out in this way will push grease into the chamber, allowing the piston to do its job.
It's important to note that you shouldn't pump grease until the cartridge is completely empty. This will fill the hose with air again, requiring you to prime it once more. Instead, stop pumping when there's still some grease left in the hose and the gun's head.
If you encounter any issues, it might be helpful to know that a common problem with grease guns is the follower rod locking up unexpectedly, preventing it from moving through the grease. This can be resolved by locking out the rod, pushing against a hard surface, and providing an escape route for the air.
Additionally, when you first load a new grease cartridge, remember to leave some space for air to escape. After screwing on the barrel, back it off by a full turn to allow air to seep out. This gives the air bubble above the grease a way out. If this doesn't work, try using the air bleeder valve if your gun is equipped with one.
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Removing the cartridge
Firstly, unscrew the nozzle cap from the grease gun and pull the handle on the barrel out until it locks into place. You may need to locate the T-shaped metal handle on the end of the gun's barrel and pull it straight out until it is fully withdrawn from the barrel. The handle should lock into place with a ratchet clip, but if not, you may need to turn it to the side to secure it.
Now that the handle is secured, you can slide the old grease cartridge out of the barrel. This should be done carefully, as the cartridge may be greasy and could be difficult to remove. Once the cartridge is out, you can wipe down any excess grease from the barrel and the cartridge with a paper towel or shop cloth.
If you are replacing the cartridge, you can now insert a new one. Remember to remove the plastic cap from the new grease cartridge before sliding it into the barrel. Once the new cartridge is in place, you can screw the nozzle back on and push the handle back in.
It is important to note that different models of grease guns may have specific considerations when removing or changing the cartridge. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or user manual for model-specific guidelines.
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Priming procedure
To prime an electric grease gun, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure that your grease gun is loaded with grease. If not, unscrew the nozzle cap and pull the handle on the barrel out until it locks into place. Remove the old cartridge and insert a new one, ensuring you remove the plastic cap and peel off the metal tab. Screw the nozzle back on and push the handle back in.
Now, to prime the gun, you need to remove any air pockets. Point the nozzle away from you and any equipment. Pump the nozzle's trigger to start pushing grease through the gun. Keep pumping until you see a steady flow of grease being dispensed. This may require some manual pressure, by pulling and twisting the T-pull. You may also need to use the air bleeder valve if your gun has one.
Once you see grease being dispensed, continue pumping to ensure all air pockets are eliminated and the gun is fully primed. After priming, wipe off any excess grease from the nozzle and other external parts to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness.
Finally, perform a quick test by dispensing a small amount of grease onto a clean surface to ensure the cartridge is functioning correctly.
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Maintaining the gun
Maintaining an electric grease gun is essential to ensure smooth operation and prolong its lifespan. Here are some detailed instructions to keep your grease gun in optimal condition:
Cleaning and Inspection:
Regularly clean your grease gun to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness. Wipe down the external parts of the gun, including the nozzle and barrel, to remove any excess grease or debris buildup. Inspect the gun for any signs of wear and tear, ensuring all components are in good working order. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for model-specific cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
Priming and Air Pocket Removal:
Priming your grease gun is crucial to ensure proper lubrication and smooth grease flow. Before using a new cartridge, prime the gun to remove air pockets by slowly pumping the handle or trigger until you see grease emerging from the nozzle. Point the nozzle away from you and any equipment during this process. Continue pumping until a steady grease flow is achieved, ensuring all air pockets are eliminated.
Cartridge Replacement:
When replacing the grease cartridge, follow the proper loading procedure. Unscrew the nozzle cap, remove the old cartridge, and insert a new grease cartridge. Secure the barrel cap tightly to prevent leakage. After changing the cartridge, perform a quick test by dispensing a small amount of grease onto a clean surface to ensure the new cartridge is functioning correctly.
Preventing Air Locks:
To prevent air locks in your grease gun, remember to leave some grease in the hose and the head of the gun after use. Avoid pumping until the cartridge is completely empty, as this will fill the hose with air, requiring you to prime the gun again. Additionally, when screwing on the barrel after loading a new cartridge, back it off a full turn to allow air to escape and prevent air locks.
Manual Pressure Application:
If you encounter difficulties priming the gun, try applying manual pressure. Pull the T-pull or plunger rod back out of the barrel and twist it slightly while pulling straight down. Lock it in place, then push up on the T-pull to apply pressure to the follower plate, pushing the grease upwards. Remember to leave the bleeder valve partially unscrewed during this process to allow air to escape.
By following these maintenance instructions, you can keep your electric grease gun in good working condition, ensuring efficient lubrication for your machinery.
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